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Milk collection, Milk Quality and SDAS audit protocols for Covid-19
Photos: Credit to supplier Andrew Revington, Delvin, Co. Westmeath on his proactive approach to on-farm hygiene.
Farmers, drivers, customers and other stakeholders have been urged to assist Glanbia Ireland by closely following the advice of the HSE and implementing all appropriate measures.
Suppliers have been urged to seek medical advice and also inform their local Glanbia Ireland advisor by phone or by contacting the Customer Service Centre (CSC) at 1890 321 321 immediately in the unfortunate instance that a member of the farm household or farm staff is in self-isolation or has a confirmed case of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
This will allow Glanbia Ireland implement a set of appropriate measures to continue to collect milk from, or deliver supplies to the farm.
All drivers going to farms or Glanbia Ireland sites are following strict protocols, including a series of additional preventative sanitation measures, and any close contact on farm must be minimised or preferably completed avoided.
Farmers are requested to implement a series of hygiene measures at all times including;
- Wearing disposable gloves when touching shared equipment;
- Reviewing biosecurity plans and implementing a business-essential visitor policy on farm;
- Fill the footbaths with disinfectant for the driver to use;
- Hot water;
- Soap;
- Paper towel;
- Bin for disposal of towel and gloves;
As an additional measure to safeguard our drivers, before milk collection please use an appropriate disinfectant to clean the areas that are shared-surfaces, such as;
- Handles of doors;
- Tank outlet valves;
- Tank lid;
- Control panel of the bulk tank;
- Label holder;
- Any other surfaces that the driver may have to touch.
Please be assured our Milk Quality teams, alongside our Business Managers and Farm Development teams are there to support farmers through the challenges brought on by Coronavirus (Covid-19).
If you need milk quality assistance on farm – we have a strict protocol in place for any essential farm visits that we will fully discuss with you before we visit.
Bord Bia temporarily postpones audits
Bord Bia has moved to postpone audits under the Quality Assurance Schemes for two months as part of the national efforts to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
The validity of current certificates will be extended where applicable for an initial period of 60 days.
Bord Bia stated the current standards permit an extension scenario.
“We are prioritising the health and welfare of members and auditors while at the same time ensuring that the reputation and integrity of the Quality Assurance Schemes, and the needs of the industry in relation to continuity of certification, are maintained,” Bord Bia stated.
If you were due to complete your renewal audit over the next 60 days this will now be postponed.
On the resumption of a regular auditing schedule, where an extension had been granted, the new certification validity period will start on the Certification Decision Date and run until the expiry date of the previous certificate plus 18 months.
As the situation evolves Bord Bia will continue to respond to the concerns of our stakeholders and will implement additional contingency measures as required.
SDAS closeouts
For suppliers who have recently completed their SDAS renewal audits and obtained closeouts, please be assured this can still be completed in a timely and efficient manner without the need for a farm visit.
Photographic evidence for closeout can be completed via Text message, WhatsApp or email through your Milk Quality Manager or online at www.farm.bordbia.ie.
For all SDAS queries, Please contact your local Milk Quality Manager or Maria Scanlan 086 4162585 Farm sustainability Manager for further details.
First Published 16 March 2020